Final Salute

The Life of Eric Rex “Rick” Wilson Jr.

Eric Rex “Rick” Wilson Jr. passed away at home, surrounded by family, on March 12, 2025, at the grand age of 88.

He was the devoted husband to Hope (Brice) Wilson for 62 years. He was the honored father of Scott (Marilyn), Erica (Walt), Joanne (Drew), and the beloved Grandad to Christopher, Peter, Sarah, Tyler, Ridge (Courtnee), Coby, Terra, Nathan, Molly, Anna, and AJ. He was also thrilled to be the Great-Grandad to Parker (5) and Hayden (2).

Eric led a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a CAPTAIN (0-6) in the Civil Engineer Corps. He worked on many significant projects throughout his time in the Navy but especially enjoyed his tours in Hawaii and Japan. He met and married a Canadian nurse on his first tour in Hawaii, and the entire family is grateful for that. One of the highlights of his time in the Navy was serving as the Commanding Officer/Officer-in-Charge of Construction for Public Works for the Far East out of Yokosuka, Japan. He went on to be the Deputy Commander for Facilities Acquisition where he managed the Navy/Marine Corps worldwide military construction program. Serving with the men and women in the U.S. Navy was a highlight of his working life.

After the Navy he continued to work as a Civil Engineer and Project Manager on many interesting projects including transportation and transit analysis, the building of the Jacksonville Jaguar Stadium, and ending his career with the impressive drilling of the Miami Access “Chunnel” connecting the Miami Port to the mainland.

Everyone who was fortunate enough to know Rick knew him to an incredibly hard worker, who brought excellence to whatever was before him.

Rick was an avid golfer and enthusiastic Florida Gator fan (Class of 59′). Go Gators! Rick and Hope had the wonderful opportunity to travel widely throughout the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia. He was a philanthropist, supporting many organizations that benefitted military/veteran causes, animal/wildlife and conservation charities, and medical research/support organizations, among others.

Rick was an honorable, upstanding, and kind man, whose family will forever benefit from the legacy he leaves. But perhaps the universally recognized character trait that has left an impact on the family was his sense of humor. Everyone has a memory of a perfectly timed one-liner that made them laugh until they cried. His wit was unmatched. He could bring down the room with a quiet quip that was usually followed by a mischievous grin.

The family feels blessed by his life and the memories he leaves. Rick will be interred at the Cape Canaveral National Cemetery at a later date, surrounded by his family.

If you feel moved to recognize his life, please make a Tribute to The Parkinson’s Foundation in his honor.

https://secure3.convio.net/prkorg/site/Donation2;jsessionid=00000000.app30130b?idb=212135366&10243.donation=form1&df_id=10243&mfc_pref=T&NONCE_TOKEN=A5851DB2D5CECB5CE232178CAF75A338&10243_donation=form1